A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Bonn for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Vienna or Bonn?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Bonn, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Vienna is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn and Vienna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vienna or Bonn?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Bonn.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Is the Food Better in Vienna or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Bonn.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Bonn has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Bonn?

Vienna is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Bonn are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Bonn is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Is Vienna or Bonn Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Vienna or Bonn a more walkable city?

Vienna is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bonn. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Vienna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bonn, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Bonn. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Bonn if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Vienna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Bonn?

Vienna is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Bonn?

The traditional city of Vienna offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Vienna and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vienna Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bonn?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Bonn, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Vienna or Bonn?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vienna or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Bonn. Many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bonn. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Bonn. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. The weather in Vienna can be very cold. In the winter, Vienna is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bonn. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bonn. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Vienna